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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in Denmark, Lesson 5 - The First and Second Days of Christmas
Hello and welcome to the Culture Class: Holidays in Denmark Series at DanishClass101.com.
In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Danish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 5, The First and Second Days of Christmas. In Danish, it’s called første og anden juledag.
If you didn't eat enough on Christmas Eve, don’t worry! The celebratory eating continues on both December 25th and 26th!
The first and second days of Christmas include a Christmas lunch. On these days, many people return to their hometowns to meet up with old friends.
In this lesson, you'll learn more about how the Danish celebrate the first and second days of Christmas.
Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question:
What has recently become a popular activity to start the first day of Christmas in Denmark?
If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.
For any "Christmas lunch" or julefrokost, there are items that must be included on the menu.
The main course consists of fish or seafood, such as marinated herring, fish fillets, smoked salmon, or shrimp.
Next on the menu; hot liver paté with bacon and mushrooms, tartlets, different cold cuts, meatballs, or sausage. Side dishes include rye and french bread, curry salad, eggs, red cabbage, and potato salad.
For Christmas lunch, Danes may drink "beer", øl, and "schnapps", snaps. Some people even drink flavored schnapps, with flavors like berry or almond.
Finally, dessert! Popular sweet dishes include risalamande, fruit salad, cheese trays, or all three. "Coffee," or kaffe, is also usually served up until the next morning.
Today, the first two days of Christmas encompass most of the holiday cheer in Denmark. People also used to celebrate the third day of Christmas and use it to relax and recover after the three preceding party days. However, the tradition of observing third day is now outdated.
Young people will party and meet up with friends and former schoolmates on the first day of Christmas. This means that the second day is the perfect chance to relax and recuperate.
In the past, families would prepare extravagant, rich, and fat dishes for the great Christmas lunch. Today, people spend time with "family", or familie, generally eat healthier, and take afternoon walks.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question:
What has recently become a popular activity to start the first day of Christmas in Denmark?
It's attending the midnight service in church.
How did you like this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting?
Do you celebrate the First and Second Day of Christmas in your country?
Leave us a comment telling us at DanishClass101.com!
And I’ll see you in the next lesson!

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